Emmett L. Kramer passed away Feb. 23, 2010 due to pneumonia.

He was born Aug. 10, 1920 in Glendive, Mont. to Frank Kramer and Mary “Marie” Martin, the fourth of six children.

The family moved to Whidbey Island in the 1930s where Emmett attended school on South Whidbey and graduated with the Langley High School class of 1938. After graduation he was in the Civilian Conservation Corps and then worked in Seattle.

He enlisted in the Army Air Forces on Dec. 13, 1941. He served in the Balkan Air Combat, Tunisia, Sicily, Naples-Fogia, Rome, Southern France, Northern Apennines and the Po Valley. He received an honorable discharge Sept. 26, 1945.

Emmett married Gertrude Katherine “Kay” Conklin on June 18, 1946 – the first marriage at St. Hubert Catholic Church.

He worked at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and then was a logger until he bought Freeland Oil Sales, a business he had until he retired. During the time he had Freeland Oil Sales he also was the manager of the Holmes Harbor Rod & Gun Club Pine Tree Room twice, a partner in the Dog House Tavern, and owner of Island Asphalt.

Emmett was a life member of American Legion Post 141, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8870, a member of the Eagles, and a proprietary member of the Holmes Harbor Rod & Gun Club.

Emmett was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Kay; his parents; and his brothers Frank, James, and Jack. He is survived by his daughter Susan; sisters Ione Stookey and Jeanette Carter; and numerous nephews and nieces.

A celebration of Emmett’s life will be held at the Holmes Harbor Rod & Gun Club from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 17. Friends and family are invited to attend.